News

Quantum navigation aims to overcome GPS limitations, transform operations
August 8, 2023 — The U.S. Air Force is upgrading GPS, with help from SandboxAQ. SandboxAQ is a spinoff from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and their mission is solving some of the world’s hardest problems using the combined power of artificial intelligence and quantum science, also known as AQ... MORE

U.S. Air Force Capt. Rob Simmons, Joint Base Charleston Spark Tank director of innovation, gives a presentation to members of SandboxAQ.

Joint Base Charleston hosts Tech Expo
May 12, 2022 — Joint Base Charleston partnered with National Conference Services Incorporated to host a Tech Expo May 10 at the Charleston Club on base... MORE

U.S. Air Force Joint Base Charleston leadership speaks with technology industry professionals

Wanted: Innovative ideas for Spark Tank 2022
August 2, 2021 — Spark Tank 2022, a Department of the Air Force annual competition in which Airmen and Guardians pitch innovative solutions to operational problems, will accept submissions in early August 2021... MORE

Master Sgt. Justin Bauer from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., was awarded the Spark Tank 2021 trophy for his idea, “Innovative Approach to C-130 Wheel Repair.” Spark Tank 2022, a Department of the Air Force annual competition in which Airmen and Guardians pitch innovative solutions to operational problems, will accept submissions in early August 2021.

Joint Base Charleston innovation lab looks to further innovation with automated processes
June 30, 2021 — Joint Base Charleston’s innovation lab, Palmetto Spark, worked with Air Force mission partners to create new automated processes to help not only Team Charleston, but the entire military... MORE

Airmen from Joint Base Charleston’s innovation lab, Palmetto Spark, learn about robitic process automation (RPA) at Joint base Charleston, S.C., June 22, 2021.

Multi-capable Airmen sustain strategic deterrence during Mobility Guardian
May 21, 2021 — After 28 years, Airmen once again flew tankers out of Oscoda; moreover, they sustained the strategic deterrence mission by providing on-site support services during Exercise Mobility Guardian, May 15-27, 2021. ... MORE

CSAF Memo to Airmen: Leadership Library
March 22, 2021 — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.'s presents his Leadership Library. A chance to offer new books, podcasts and documentaries in order to generate regular conversations with Airmen on things that interest him and may interest them... MORE

AFICC delivers innovative VR suicide prevention training to save lives
March 18, 2021 — JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – With a rise in suicides across the service, the Air Force Installation Contracting Center is helping leaders fast-track a pilot program at Air Mobility Command to help save lives.The virtual reality suicide training being tested at Scott AFB, Illinois, and Travis AFB, California, offers a new, more effective... MORE

A participant in a virtual reality suicide prevention training pilot program sits while wearing a virtual reality headset and holding a virtual reality controller.

AFWERX announces virtual Accelerate Event Dec. 7-11
November 14, 2020 — It has grown from three successful innovation experiments into one organization that will accelerate affordable and agile capabilities by expanding the defense industrial base as the preferred partner for commercial technology innovation and broadening the network of Airmen creating innovative concepts... MORE

AFWERX is announcing the inaugural Accelerate event being held virtually Dec. 7 to 11. The event will highlight how AFWERX is institutionalizing air and space innovation across the Department of the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy graphic)

New mobile app enables, engages, empowers Airmen
April 18, 2019 — The Air Force now has an enterprise-wide mobile app designed to provide Airmen with streamlined access to information they need for their lives and careers... MORE

AMC’s first Spark Tank competition recognizes Airmen innovation, selects winners to advance to Air Force level
October 29, 2018 — Air Mobility Command held its first-ever Phoenix Spark Tank competition at the Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium in Grapevine, Texas, where four finalists proposed their innovation ideas Oct. 26, 2018, to top Air Force leaders and the president of VOX Space. The competition, which is part of Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson’s innovation initiative, encourages Airmen of all ranks and careers to generate innovative ideas that save time, money and maintain readiness. ... MORE

Staff Sgt. Travis Alton from the 19th Logistical Readiness Squadron briefs his design of an M-1 cargo parachute release assembly time block fair safe during the 2018 AMC Phoenix Spark Tank competition, where four finalists pitched their innovation ideas to a panel of judges at the
Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium in Grapevine, Texas, Oct. 27, 2018. "At the end of the day, for less than a dollar, we can save millions," said Alton. "But let's think further than that. Think about the warfighter downrange that is reliant on the Humvee, the Howitzer, and the ammunition to save their lives... Wouldn't it be a shame if their cargo was destroyed because they didn't have this one dollar block installed?" A/TA, AMC's premier professional development event, provides mobility Airmen an opportunity to learn about and discuss mobility priorities, issues, challenges, and successes. The venue
creates dialogue between industry experts and Air Force and Department of Defense about ways to innovate, enhance mission effects and advance readiness headed into the future. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jodi Martinez)